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Precise Technical Services Co. Inc.
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Quality, Affordable, and Reliable Service is what we Guarantee.
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Precise Technical Services Co., Inc.
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Upgrading Your Cooling System___
If you have an old air conditioner--more than ten years old--chances are that it's pretty inefficient. A ten year old central air conditioning system probably has an SEER rating between 7 and 8, compared to double that today. It will definitely pay to replace it, but you may not have to replace the entire system. Sometimes, just the outdoor compressor needs to be replaced. However, if you are just replacing the compressor, it is extremely important to make sure that the new outdoor unit is compatible with the existing indoor components. An air conditioning service technician can help you match the units correctly.
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Service--281-893-2282
Service--281-440-6666
Fax# 281-583-4646
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CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE OF AIR CONDITIONER__________
The type of unit that is best for your house depends on your climate and cooling loads. In small homes and in mild climates, one or more room units may make the most sense. In a small, well-insulated home, even the smallest central AC unit may be too big. If you are considering room units, the major decision you will make is between wall units and window units. While wall units cost more to install, window units are harder to seal, block your view outdoors, block incoming light, and prevent the use of the window for natural cooling and ventilation.
Central AC systems have a number of advantages. They are out of the way, quiet, and convenient. If you already have a central heating system that uses forced air, you may be able to use the same ducts. Finally, for cooling large homes or homes in especially warm climates, central AC systems are more energy-efficient.
Heat pumps, although more expensive, provide heating in addition to cooling. If your home does not need a heating system or if you already have a satisfactory oil or gas heating system, a heat pump probably doesn't make economic sense. If your home currently uses electric resistance heating, however, it may make sense to investigate a heat pump to satisfy your cooling needs as well as replacing your electric heating system.
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SIZING THE SYSTEM_____
No matter which type of AC system you choose, sizing it to your home and cooling needs is important. More so than with heating systems, the cost of air conditioning systems rises significantly with larger equipment. Oversized units cost more to operate and don't dehumidify the air as well (see below). Don't let a salesperson convince you to buy a system that is larger than you need.
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Helpful Hints
You will probably be comfortable with the thermostat set at about 78°F, but ceiling fans can extend your comfort range. You will save 3 to 5% on AC costs for each degree that you raise the thermostat setting. You can also increase comfort at warmer temperatures by reducing humidity: use a bathroom exhaust fan when you shower, don't dry firewood in your basement, don't vent your clothes dryer inside, and put houseplants outside during the summer.
Air conditioners and heat pumps need regular maintenance in order to perform at peak efficiency. Clean the air filters on room air conditioners monthly. They should never be allowed to get dirty enough to impede air flow, as this could cause damage to the unit. The condenser should be cleaned by a professional every other year, or even yearly in dusty conditions.
Central air conditioning units should be inspected, cleaned, and tuned by a professional once every two to three years. This will extend the life of the unit and reduce electricity consumption. Check with your service technician about the proper maintenance schedule for your unit.
During service of your unit, its refrigerant may need recharging. It needs to be charged correctly, as a 10% undercharged system can operate at 20% lower efficiency. However, an overcharged system can cause damage to the unit and reduce the lifetime of the system. Also, because refrigerants damage the ozone layer, it is important that the refrigerant not be leaked to the environment. There are now laws requiring the recycling of refrigerants.
The power to a central unit should be shut off when the cooling season ends; otherwise the heating elements in the unit could consume energy all winter long. Flip the circuit breaker to turn it off if the unit doesn't have a separate switch. Turn the power back on at least one day before starting up the unit in order to prevent damage to the compressor.
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